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More smart fortwo Speculation: What Would Paul Halata Do?


In a recent visit to MBCanada's forums there was a discussion about smart coming to the USA. MBUSA's President Paul Halata has been very adamant that MBUSA not go any lower that the C-Class. The B-Class had been intended for the USA, it was even shown under the future models section of the website, but that model was pulled from the USA lineup. MB said that the B was pulled from the lineup due to the euro/dollar exchange rate, but I don't think that Halata shed any tears.

With recent quotes coming from DaimlerChrylser that it is quite possible the next fortwo will be headed to the USA and Dieter Zetsche saying that if DC does decide to pull the trigger it won't make the mistake it made in Europe of establishing a separate dealership network. Instead, it will showcase the smart car in Mercedes dealerships. The question becomes "What would Paul Halata do?" Chances are that Paul couldn't flat out reject the plan, but it might explain part of the delay that DC is experiencing in making a final decision. The USA could be a major part of the smart recovery plan if the 20,000 annual sales projection proves true. More than likely select MB dealerships would be chosen to sell the cars in the USA. Penske's United Auto Group is mentioned, but I imagine that there are other hand raisers out there in the MBUSA dealer network.

For those keeping track, yes it is April and DC has 30 more days to make its announcement before my prediction of the "green light by April" decision goes up in flames. Time flies, doesn't it?